Respiratory Care Program: Associate Degree

Respiratory care is a high tech, direct patient care
profession. This field is a life-supporting, life-enhancing allied
health care profession practiced under qualified medical direction.
Services provided to patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary
system include diagnostic testing, therapeutics, monitoring, and
rehabilitation. Patient, family, and public education are essential to
the mission of the profession. Respiratory care services are provided in
all health care facilities (acute, subacute/long-term, skilled nursing)
and in the home.

The curriculum consists of five consecutive semesters
of study as well as additional clinical practice at affiliating
hospitals.The respiratory care and related courses
must be taken in the sequence outlined once the student has been
admitted into the program.Admission requirements are
listed under programs with selective admissions.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate
qualifies for an associate in science degree and is eligible to apply to
take the national entry-level (CRT certification) and advanced
practitioner (RRT registry) examinations offered by the National Board
for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Additionally, graduates are qualified to
sit for the NBRC specialty exams for pulmonary diagnostics and neonatal
pediatric specialty.

Student Learning Objectives:

Upon graduation from the program, the graduate must be
competent in the following areas: psychomotor skills, affective skills
and cognitive skills. Each area will be evaluated while enrolled in the
program on a semester by semester basis. Learning is through a planned
progression of knowledge and skills of increasing complexity. Upon
successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate will be
able to:

1.
Incorporate principles of social, behavioral,
biological sciences and humanities to the role of Respiratory
Therapist.

2.
Demonstrates technical proficiency in all
skills necessary to fulfill the role of respiratory therapist.

3.
Utilize principles of pharmacology when
caring for clients with cardiopulmonary disorders in a variety of
settings.

6.
Employ effective interpersonal, communication
and teaching skills when interacting with individuals, families and
members of the health team

7.
Exhibit professional behaviors consistent
with legal and ethical standards of the profession of respiratory
therapy

8.
Practice Respiratory Care in a safe and
effective manner in a variety of settings.

9.
Demonstrate proficiency as a respiratory
therapist, as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care
and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Graduates of the program receive an Associate in Science Degree
and are eligible to take the national credentialing examination for
Respiratory Care Practitioners to achieve the Registered Respiratory
Therapist (RRT) Credential.

Mission Statement:

The Respiratory Care Program is designed to prepare students as
Registered Respiratory Care Professionals. This
program meets a community need for healthcare professionals. This
affordable and accessible program offers an innovative program of study
for the community's diverse population. The faculty believes that a
nurturing educational environment will produce lifelong learners who are
active and responsible leaders in their careers.

Employment and Career Opportunities

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:2012: median salary
$55,870
Entry level education: Associate’s degree
Job outlook 2012-2022: 19% growth (faster than average) employment of respiratory therapist is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2022.
It is listed among the fastest growing occupations that require only an associate’s degree. (careerplanning.com)
Career information: A respiratory therapist (RRT) treats people who have breathing or cardiopulmonary problems. Among our patients are premature infants whose lungs are underdeveloped and children and adults who have lung disease such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD. A respiratory therapist works in the intensive care unit and also delivers emergency care to heart attack and drowning victims or those people in shock. Some RRTs work in home care.

If you are interested in becoming a member of a health care
team please visit NCC website- respiratory care or contact Maria Grayson
203-857-6917 or
mgrayson@norwalk.edu. Or Deysy Pelaez 203-857-7284 or
Dpelaez@norwalk.edu Office H111.

General Information:

Students must achieve a minimum grade of C in
general education, science and RSP courses.

To graduate from the program and the college
students must maintain above a 2.0 GPA.

Additional costs such as travel, lab coats,
uniforms, testing, stethoscopes and physical examinations are the
responsibility of the student.

Students must follow the policies outlined in the
Respiratory Care Student Handbook

Accreditation:

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by
the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road,
Bedford, TX 76021-4244l. Information about this program can be
obtained by calling the CoARC office at 1-817-263-2835 or online at
www.coarc.com

Licensure:

Upon graduation, the student is eligible to sit for the
CRT (Certified Respiratory Technician) Examination. Upon successfully
completing this examination, the student may obtain licensure. Licensure
is granted on a state? to?state basis. The student will be required to
disclose background information, including criminal history at the time
of licensure application. Students may contact the CT Department of
Health for more information on licensure requirements for Respiratory
Care Professionals. The student is also eligible for the RRT (Registered
Respiratory Therapist) Examination after acquiring the CRT credential.